Gregor Townsend 's men got off to a flyer, returning star Stuart Hogg bagging a converted try after two minutes.

The floodgates did not open though and Samoa pulled things back to 13-10 midway through the first half.

Scotland turned things on before the break to score two further tries, firstly centre Huw Jones went over in the 28 minute and then hooker Stuart McInally did the same in the 40 minute.

Alex Dunbar scores for Scotland (Image: SNS)

When McInally crossed for his second try after 47 minute Scotland were 32-10 up and looking comfortable, but from there the sides exchanged a number of tries.

Scotland’s came from centre Alex Dunbar and replacement Pete Horne, but Samoa kept knocking at the door and it finished 44-38.

Five talking points…

Scotland's Stuart Hogg scores a try against Samoa (Image: PA)

Stuart Hogg is back with a bang

How do you announce your return from a Lions tour and then a spell out injured?

Score a try within 120 seconds of course. Sure, Hoggy got the bounce of the ball for the early score, but he was looking sharp after he stated earlier in the week how fit he feels.

Stuart McInally stepped up to the plate

There was a lot made about the fact that first choice hookers Ross Ford and Fraser Brown were out injured, but McInally has been flying with Edinburgh this season and took it into this game. Two tries and dynamic in the loose.

Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour celebrate (Image: Reuters)

Gregor Townsend has to back his rookies

In this match Darryl Marfo, George Turner, Jamie Bhatti and Chris Harris made debuts. They all did well and although they all made mistakes they will learn fast. The job at the minute is about growing the squad for the 2019 World Cup and these guys could have a big part to play. This is the start of their learning curve…

Scotland’s defence needs to quickly improve

With the world’s best in the shape of New Zealand coming to play at BT Murrayfield in seven days time the Scots - and defence coach Matt Taylor in particular – know there is plenty to work on. They cannot slip off so many tackles and let soft tries again.

Scotland's Lee Jones with Samos'a Ah See Tuala (Image: SNS Group/SRU)

Samoa never gave up

When they went 32-10 down after 47 minutes the team could have folded, especially after the week they have had when their union went bankrupt. However, they are a proud nation and can attack at pace, meaning this game was right in the melting pot until the last minute.